Hey, I’m Jess Costa (she/her)! Bios can feel a bit stiff, so here are some glimpses into who I am. I love bringing my friends and family together—intentionally, and often. Every party I host has a theme, complete with an Evite and a Google Sheet to track dishes and food preferences. I’m a serial re-watcher: every fall, it’s Gilmore Girls, and I cycle through Jane the Virgin, New Girl, Vampire Diaries, Sherlock, and Penny Dreadful. You’ll find me painting while watching reality TV with my partner as he plays Pokémon (watch Popstar Academy, trust me).

I’m a recovering workaholic filmmaker who once used productivity to avoid my feelings. Now I support myself by reading Brené Brown, Buy Yourself the F**king Lilies, and fairy smut (all of these help equally). I decompress with DND podcasts, running, or snacking. I travel to reset and find myself. I write to feel like I’m home. I’ve made films almost every year since I was 12 and now I’m pivoting into novels. I’m passionate, the mom-friend, and my dream is to make enough from my art that I can support my loved ones, write, and be near water. I’m learning how to write music, bake bread, and pet more dogs.

Todd Samara Art Award

Issued by Kingston Midtown Arts District | November 2023

“This year’s $1,500 award is designed for proposals from emerging and established artists, art educators, and/or curators for a City of Kingston-based project. Applicants must reside or work in the city of Kingston. “

Brett Ratner Film Production Award

Issued by NYU Tisch School of the Arts | December 2016

The Brett Ratner Film Production Award recognizes outstanding achievement in film production, celebrating excellence in creativity, collaboration, and execution.

My work has screened most notably in festivals like the Toronto International Shorts Film Festival and Soho International Film Festival.

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